Disaster Response SMARTbook 2 - Incident Command System (ICS)

Book excerpt: Disaster can strike anytime, anywhere. It takes many forms--a hurricane, an earthquake, a tornado, a flood, a fire or a hazardous spill, or an act of terrorism. An incident can build over days or weeks, or hit suddenly, without warning. A poorly managed incident response can undermine our safety and well-being. With so much at stake, we must effectively manage our response efforts. Although most incidents are handled locally, partnerships among Local, Tribal, State, and Federal agencies as well as nongovernmental and private-sector organizations may be required. As partners, we must respond together in a seamless, coordinated fashion. The Incident Command System (ICS) helps ensure integration of our response efforts. ICS is a standardized, on-scene, all-hazards approach to incident management. ICS allows all responders to adopt an integrated organizational structure that matches the complexities and demands of the incident while respecting agency and jurisdictional authorities. The ICS is just one part of a larger integrated system of stability and response called the National Response Framework. It is used collectively through all levels of government, from Federal to Local, to ensure that in the case of an emergency, or any other situation that threatens the function of government, the services required to protect lives, preserve and maintain public infrastructure and protect personal property are in place or restored as soon as possible.